Almost 400 gigabytes of patient data, including sensitive information like names and NHS numbers, was exposed in a cyber attack on Synnovis by the Qilin ransomware gang. NHS services in southeast London have been significantly disrupted, with operations and procedures postponed while investigations into the extent of the breach continue. The breach has led to concerns over the potential inclusion of blood test results and has impacted hospital operations, including the ability to perform blood transfusions and other critical pathology services.
Medical director Dr. Chris Streather of NHS London acknowledged the distress caused to patients and families due to postponed treatments, emphasizing ongoing efforts to reschedule appointments promptly. The incident, first detected at five hospitals, has since affected more facilities across London, prompting a long-term recovery effort expected to span several months. Authorities stress the need for clarity on the breach’s origin and the extent of compromised records, crucial for restoring normalcy and ensuring patient data security.
Efforts to manage the fallout include prioritizing urgent cases for blood testing and urging blood donors, particularly those with O-positive and O-negative blood types, to contribute amid increased demand. Despite the disruption, NHS assures the continuity of urgent and emergency services, striving to mitigate the impact on patient care amidst ongoing investigations and cybersecurity enhancements.
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